tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47999740683621521442024-03-13T08:01:03.354-07:00Minnesota Children's Museum: Smart PlayMinnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-34182491967297783282010-08-02T07:44:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:24:40.104-07:00Tales from the Floor: Safety WeekLast week was Safety Week here at the Museum! Once a year we spend nine action-packed days reviewing our safety procedures. Because safety is a top priority we spend a lot of time talking not only about the routine things like reuniting families, but also about the more serious scenarios that we hope will never happen.<br />
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<b>Spot the Hazard:</b> Oh, no! <i>Our World </i>has been filled with safety hazards! How many hazards can you spot in two minutes? Part of the Visitor Assistants' job is to constantly be monitoring for safety issues while they are in the galleries. This could be anything from a water spill, to an unlocked door, to a broken exhibit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvSsDO7d4daSDC_tcO2v2sCzxs12ygm-3N_-rTdhAh_xwjwrr6Sq5TQlzeqCUQ4vyq3GhLPrOFy6xiMUPrqw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<b>Evacuation Drill: </b>The alarm has sounded and the staff must quickly and calmly evacuate our paper visitors from the building. Will everyone make it out safely? Although we rarely have to evacuate the building, it is something we take very seriously. Every evacuation drill is timed and evaluated.<br />
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<b>First Aid:</b> Not only do we practice first aid procedures (all floor staff are certified in first aid), we practice safety procedures for dealing with blood and other bodily fluids. Can you take off your safety gloves without contaminating your skin? We smear ketchup on our gloves to find out.<br />
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<b>Box Office Safety:</b> The entrance to the Museum is a key spot for safety awareness -- that is why the security guards are posted there. We always need to be aware o who is coming in and out of our building. Staying aware is also the number one way to protect our building and our visitors from acts of theft.<br />
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Although we hope that most of these scenarios will never happen, it is important for everyone to practice their safety procedures. What do you do to practice safety with your kids?<br />
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<i>-Jessica Turgeon</i><br />
<i>Director of Visitors Services and Organizational Development</i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-26064463871387775112010-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:002010-07-28T14:00:00.246-07:00Tales From the Floor: Evacuation<div style="border: medium none;">Five to six times a year, we practice emergency evacuation. Although we haven't had to actually evacuate the building in over six years (quick, knock on wood!), it is really important that everyone know exactly what to do. As you can imagine, it isn't like evacuating a normal building- someone has to crawl through the anthill, peek in the bathrooms, and check all the nooks and crannies in the Museum. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">All of our practice evacuations take place before or after normal hours, so to make them as realistic as possible we tape up paper people around the building. Once the alarm sounds, the staff have to "save" all the people and regroup in the lobby where we check our time and success rate. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxopzcZtkbyJJzzT9UIwJeOFL7lGurLqbn2d6Rd16vbmW8lbhdgDVSild-HaD3lrGnc39htclZvbcnjX7-How' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Because we have to be prepared for any situation, we will often throw zingers in the mix- telling the staff they can't use a certain stairwell because of the fire, putting obstacles in front of the exits that they have to clear, or setting off multiple alarms for investigation.<br />
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The craziest situation we ever had to deal within real life was one busy Saturday many years ago when we not only had to evacuate hundreds of visitors, but also get Elmo and Cookie Monster down the stairs and out of the building without them taking their costumes off. And for those of you who have ever wondered- that was the day we turned the coat rack motor off for good.<br />
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As for today's drill, we are happy to report that everyone made it out alive.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">-Jessica Turgeon, director of organizational development and visitor services</span>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-31931758101903931922010-07-26T12:15:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:15:53.442-07:00A Discipline Toolkit for Parents- Part 2 [Parent Educator]So. . . how did those prevention tools work for you in <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://minnesotachildrensmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/05/discipline-toolkit-for-parents.html">Part 1</a>? Here are some more tools to help you manage conflict and teach your children responsibility, in other words, <b><i>guidance tools</i></b>.<br />
<div></div><br />
<i>Encourage thinking:</i><br />
<ul><li>Explain limits</li>
<li>Make a polite request</li>
<li>Provide a reminder of the rule</li>
<li>Ask your child to restate the rule</li>
<li>Ask your child for solutions or consequences</li>
<li>Use humor!</li>
</ul><i>Show concern:</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6ZxhDT7-I/AAAAAAAAAIk/wCuS4VxfJDw/s1600/MCM-2-2-2010-007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6ZxhDT7-I/AAAAAAAAAIk/wCuS4VxfJDw/s400/MCM-2-2-2010-007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>Affirm your child’s feelings and thoughts</li>
<li>Ask your child to help you understand</li>
<li>Redirect your child’s thinking</li>
<li>Provide a “hearing”</li>
<li>Help with frustrating tasks</li>
<li>Be willing to compromise</li>
</ul><i>Confront the Situation:</i><br />
<ul><li>Offer substitutes</li>
<li>Remove children from situations they can’t handle</li>
<li>Say, “No!”</li>
<li>Have child repeat the action</li>
<li>Give permission </li>
</ul>Try to stay calm and take a break if you find yourself getting too upset. Sometimes a “time out” for mom or dad works better than anything! Once you’re in a better frame of mind, you’ll be able to approach the situation more successfully.<br />
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<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, </i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/"><i>Saint Paul ECFE</i></a>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-28313014297883349762010-07-19T11:20:00.000-07:002010-07-19T11:20:24.601-07:00Sparking learning through creative expression!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoO3G0zG0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/jypbrdQzRtA/s1600/art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoO3G0zG0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/jypbrdQzRtA/s320/art1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Minnesota Children's Museum is dedicated to supporting and honoring children's creative expression. Children learn and make sense of their world through play, and creative expression is a critical component in a young child's learning by supporting and enhancing their physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. The Museum's daily programs, exhibits, and community partnerships all provide ample opportunity for children and families to engage in self-expression and creative experiences. As you explore the Museum, notice the children's art work is displayed in prominent and meaningful exhibits throughout the Museum.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Over the past several years, school classes focused on creative expression have become vulnerable. Art and music classes are often the first to be cut or shortened to make more time for math and language arts classes. Since 2001-02, and average of nearly 30 minutes of art related instruction per day has been cut to accommodate a shift in educational focus. (<i>Choices, Changes, and Challenges: Curriculum and Instruction in NCLB Era,</i> Center on Education Policy, Jennifer McMurrer, 2007)</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoQIyv3cKI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/dPL4ge8ygwU/s1600/art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoQIyv3cKI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/dPL4ge8ygwU/s320/art3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Six years ago, in response to this reduced time spent on arts education in schools, Minnesota Children's Museum developed a community partnership program that sends visual artists into elementary classrooms to engage children in hands-on artistic experiences. (If funding is not available to hire a local artist, the museum will partner with the school's art teacher to deliver the art program). After each residency, the entire project is exhibited for at least six months in the Community Gallery in the <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.mcm.org/museum-information/permanent-galleries/our-world/">Our World</a></i> permanent gallery. The exhibits highlight the cross-disciplinary nature of the projects, display the children's final art creations as well as writing the science-inquiry that are often important parts of the project.</div>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-26882973542671360282010-07-14T14:09:00.000-07:002010-07-14T14:09:04.636-07:00Noticing the Large and Small Motor Skills in Your Children<div style="border: medium none;">Minnesota Children's Museum takes pride in embracing and nurturing development of the ‘whole child’ through experiential play! Developmental pieces of the ‘whole’ child focus on language/literacy, social/emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div></div><div style="border: medium none;"><b><i>Physical Growth:</i></b></div><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Large motor skills</b> begin to develop immediately for children. Movement adds to a child’s ability to master skills that allow them to maneuver their bodies with intention, fluidly, and accuracy. Constant opportunities for movement not only develop these skills, but also stimulate the brain for further developmental growth.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCogRj7I-qI/AAAAAAAAAKc/jm9DhXJOrMY/s1600/rooftop_chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCogRj7I-qI/AAAAAAAAAKc/jm9DhXJOrMY/s320/rooftop_chalk.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Infants</b></div><ul><li><br />
<div style="border: medium none;">holding head up </div></li>
<li>rolling over</li>
<li>sitting up without tipping </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">crawling</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">walking </li>
</ul><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Toddlers</b></div><ul><li style="border: medium none;">mastery of walking </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">running</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">marching</li>
<li>jumping, hopping</li>
<li>climbing</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Preschool</b></div><ul><li>skipping</li>
<li>hopping</li>
<li>catching</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">throwing</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">This is also when other related factors begin to emerge and become new skills for children to master such as: </li>
<ul><li>coordination</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">strength</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">balance</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">endurance</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">flexibility<br />
<b></b></li>
</ul></ul><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Fine motor skills</b> are essential for proper pencil grip and control when writing effectively (later in the early childhood years). The muscles in the hands and fingers are small, yet, used in grand proportions. Strengthening these muscles takes concentration and practice. Open-ended activities that allow children to develop these skills with little or no attention to precision will benefit their efforts. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none; text-align: left;"><b>Infants</b></div><ul style="border: medium none;"><li style="border: medium none;">batting at a mobile</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">grasping/grabbing for objects</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">holding objects</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">transferring objects from one hand to the other. </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">pincher grips (using the index finger and thumb to grab that Cheerio)</li>
<li style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6Uy4iv98I/AAAAAAAAAIc/gYZHvqbeU_8/s1600/MCM+203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6Uy4iv98I/AAAAAAAAAIc/gYZHvqbeU_8/s320/MCM+203.jpg" width="213" /></a>pushing buttons </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">working on turning pages of a board book </li>
</ul><div style="border: medium none;"><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Toddlers</b></div></div><ul><li style="border: medium none;">stacking small blocks</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">eating with utensils</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">beginning to hold writing utensils to make marks on paper (which, they also love to tear and rip…another great muscle builder) </li>
</ul><div style="border: medium none;"><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Preschool </b></div></div><ul><li style="border: medium none;">writing</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">drawing</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">cutting (in any form) </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">playing with <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Playdoh</span> </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">building with <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Legos</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border: medium none;"><b>Don't forget to visit Minnesota Children's Museum's newest exhibit <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.mcm.org/museum-information/special-and-traveling-exhibits/balancing-act/">Balancing Act</a></i>.</b> </div></div><div style="border: medium none;">Balancing isn't just an act. From teetering toddlers to tight-rope walkers, balance is something we all use in our everyday lives. Our body and brain work together to help us balance. Expand your understanding of balance as you participate in active learning experiences such as balance beams and boards, and discover what keeps spinning tops spinning, gymnasts on track and ice skaters on edge. Put your sense of balance to the test in this hands-on children's exhibit and learn how you can practice and improve your own "balancing act"!</div>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-27431417314791884762010-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:002010-07-09T06:43:02.065-07:00A Saturday or Sunday Morning in Saint Paul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoYk-q_j5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/Yi1XlvUGo84/s1600/mila_rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoYk-q_j5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/Yi1XlvUGo84/s200/mila_rose.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The sun is shining, the weather is warm, the kids are out of school… why not plan a fun day with your family? Summer is a great time to explore Saint Paul and the Minnesota Children’s Museum! The city offers the perfect start to your weekend, so put on your walking shoes. <br />
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1. First stop by <b><i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/">The Saint Paul Farmers Market</a></i></b> located conveniently in downtown Saint Paul. It’s a great place to take in the local flavors with their selection of 100% locally grown produce, flowers and freshly made foods that will be sure you excite your morning taste buds. Make sure you get there in the morning because it’s only open Sat. and Sun. 6am-1pm. <br />
<i>290 5th St. East Saint Paul, MN 55101</i><br />
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<div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoYmIU-tjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/xtPyEXkp0J4/s1600/rooftop_planting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCoYmIU-tjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/xtPyEXkp0J4/s200/rooftop_planting.jpg" width="200" /></a>2. Next, walk four minutes west to <b><i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?nid=1460">Rice Park</a></i></b> and enjoy all of your farmers market treats. The park offers a relaxing haven of green space amongst the downtown landscape. Rice Park also highlights several statues from Peanuts’ characters to F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Source by Alonzo Hauser, the popular fountain located in the center of Rice Park. Toss in your penny and make a wish! </div><div style="border: medium none;"><i>109 W 4th St, Saint Paul, MN 55102</i></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">3. Last, but never least, stop by the <i><b><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.mcm.org/">Minnesota Children’s Museum</a></b></i> and paint your face at the Spark Cart, play with bubbles in World Works, and discover the summer’s great new exhibits <i>Balancing Act</i> and <i>The Wizard of Oz </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM</span>. Or get a bird’s eye view of the city you’ve discovered today up on the Museum’s <i>Rooftop ArtPark!</i></div>Summer Hours: Sat-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm<br />
<i>10 7th St. West Saint. Paul, MN 55012</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6egwdAgNI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VCdOWk30GJ8/s1600/clip_image004.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6egwdAgNI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VCdOWk30GJ8/s400/clip_image004.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-39473992491368398282010-07-01T07:44:00.000-07:002010-07-01T07:44:06.881-07:00Parenting Styles: Finding a Balance [Parent Educator]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hsoR8CN3I/AAAAAAAAAHY/35isO-zillU/s1600/1-13-09-144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hsoR8CN3I/AAAAAAAAAHY/35isO-zillU/s320/1-13-09-144.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div>Children can- and do- thrive under many different styles of parenting. The choice of an effective style is not a matter of "either-or," but of finding a comfortable balance.<br />
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<b>On the one hand...</b><br />
Children need FREEDOM. They need to be permitted to:<br />
<ul><li>Explore the world</li>
<li>Use their senses</li>
<li>Move about freely</li>
<li>Make mistakes</li>
</ul>In other words, children need room to grow and develop.<br />
<br />
<b>On the other hand...</b><br />
Children need LIMITS. They want:<br />
<ul><li>Guidance</li>
<li>Advice</li>
<li>Responsibility</li>
<li>Routine</li>
</ul>By offering protection, you can help your children feel secure.<br />
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Still too much of even a good thing can be harmful<br />
<br />
<b>On the one hand...</b><br />
Too much FREEDOM may overwhelm a child. Indulged children may become self-centered and demanding, and have trouble getting along with others.<br />
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<b>On the other hand...</b><br />
Too many LIMITS may smother a child. Over protected children may become passive and dependant- possibly resentful and hostile.<br />
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How you raise your children will depend on many factors- you, your children, the situation. Some parents feel comfortable withe parenting styles that the other parents might find too tight or loose in fit. Some children can handle more freedom and responsibility than others. And some situations call for more control than others.<br />
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You'll want to stay away from the extremes of over-permissiveness or over protection. Between the extremes are many approaches that make room both for your sanity and your child's growth. What is important is that your style of parenting be reasonable and motivated by love and respect for your child.<br />
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<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parenting Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-23129789785618165342010-06-28T10:57:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:57:35.668-07:00Resources to Cultivate Calm for ChildrenLast week, we shared some ways that both your child and you can clear up your "monkey minds," and <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://minnesotachildrensmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/06/monkey-mind-pirates-cultivating-calm.html">cultivate calm</a>. Here are a few more resources to help in the battle for a calmer mind.<br />
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For more information on practicing mindfulness with children, check out <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://mindfulkids.wordpress.com/">Mindful Kids</a> and <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://innerkids.ning.com/">Inner Kids </a>(FYI - Inner Kids requires registration).<br />
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The following books are also good resources.<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.susankaisergreenland.com/book.html"><b>The Mindful Child</b></a> by Susan Kaiser Greenland<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Meditation-Children-Practical-Techniques/dp/1905857322"><b>Teaching Mediation to Children</b></a> by David Fontana and Ingrid Slack<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Teaching-Mindfulness-Teaches-Anything/dp/0861715675"><b>Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness: A Guide for Anyone Who Teaches Anything</b></a> by Deborah Schoeberlein with Suki Sheth, PhD<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.blogger.com/Take%20the%20Time:Mindfulness%20for%20Kids%20"><b>Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids</b></a> by Maude Roegiers<br />
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And, of course, please check out <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.facebook.com/monkeymindpirates"><i>Monkey Mind Pirates</i></a>!Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-60324579846451233632010-06-25T12:00:00.000-07:002010-06-25T12:01:24.538-07:00Monkey Mind Pirates - Cultivating Calm with Your Children<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCT8UKNASCI/AAAAAAAAAJc/BVsW5dg-REc/s1600/MMPimag%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCT8UKNASCI/AAAAAAAAAJc/BVsW5dg-REc/s320/MMPimag%5B3%5D.jpg" /></a>"Monkey Mind" is a popular yoga phrase to describe when the brain swings from thought to thought, unable to focus. Left to the wilds, Monkey Mind can provoke intense distraction that hijacks the brain and veers humans towards increased agitation. Unfortunately, the fast pace of people's daily lives combined with widespread mental health conditions (ADD, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ADHD</span>, depression, anxiety, etc.) can cause children and adults to feel frequently overwhelmed. However, simple techniques of breathing, visualization, and movement can clear distraction, quiet the mind, and bring a sense of calm. But how do you engage children in the practice of mindfulness? Play...with the <i>Monkey Mind Pirates</i> method!<br />
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<i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.zpuppets.org/Monkey-Mind-Pirates/about">Monkey Mind Pirates</a> </i>is an innovative approach to combining playfulness with mindfulness that is based in simple ideas you can try at home with your children to cultivate calm.<br />
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<b>Turning into senses:</b><br />
Many meditation sessions begin by ringing a chime or a bell that produces a sustained tones. focusing attention on the sound can clear the mind of distracting or aggravating thoughts. Children can practice closing their eyes and listening to the bell, raising their hands when they first hear the ringing disappear and the silence emerge. In a group of children, each can take turns ringing the chime or bell and describing their experience of listening to quiet.<br />
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<b>Seeing the Breath: </b><br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCT7eFLyUYI/AAAAAAAAAJM/0_UJaOSe72w/s1600/yogagir%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/TCT7eFLyUYI/AAAAAAAAAJM/0_UJaOSe72w/s200/yogagir%5B3%5D.jpg" width="156" /></a>Breathing is one of the most powerful tools to combat stress bu may not be an activity that interests children on its own. Children make deeper connections to their breath when they can see and feel the action of the breath. Ask children to hold an imaginary ball with both hands. Using your own hands, demonstrate how the ball expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Encourage the children to match the size of the ball's expansion and contraction with the length of their inhaling and exhaling. The <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Hoberman</span> Sphere, available in toy stores (<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://minnesotachildrensmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/06/tales-from-floor-funstigators.html">and seen in the Museum lobby</a>!) is a collapsible plastic ball that also can mimic this expanding, contracting action.<br />
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<b>Moving Meditation:</b><br />
Often, meditative practices state stillness as an objective towards reaching the goal of calm. Although complete stillness may be difficult for young people to attain, many children like to play with moving in different speeds -- including slow motion. You can guide children to slow down by making it a game. Begin by turning on music and asking them to walk around the room in any pattern without talking. Periodically, call out instructions, such as, "As slow as you're moving, slow it down," until they are barely moving. To extend the experience, experiment with moving back and forth between slow and fast, always ending with slow motion. Afterward, ask children to describe the experience and what they noticed at the different speeds.<br />
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<b>Drawing on the power of image and metaphor:</b><br />
Metaphors such as <i>Monkey Mind Pirates</i> can provide children with language to talk about <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">stressors</span> in their lives in a story-based way. For example, children can create a character that represents how they feel when they are stressed. The character can take any form that the child suggests -- an imaginary creature, an animal, a person. Adults can encourage the child by asking questions: What is the character's name? What does it look and sound like? How does it move? What does it like to say? The child can draw pictures, tell stories, and act out events to bring the character to life. Adults can then refer to the character as a base for on-going conversations about the child's stress level.<br />
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An added benefit to practicing mindfulness with your children is that you get to develop some of the same skills along with them. The next time you find yourself at the end of your rope, take a moment to focus your awareness on your breathing. see if you can slow down and identify what type of character best depicts the way you feel. Talking with your children about your own challenges with Monkey Mind will encourage them to talk with you about their own as well.<br />
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<i>-Shari <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Aronson</span></i><br />
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<i>Shari is an exhibit developer at Minnesota Children's Museum, a yoga teacher for youth and adults, and a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">pupp</span><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">eteer</span> with <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.zpuppets.org/">Z Puppets <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Rosenschnoz</span></a>, an award-winning performance company that is one of the collaborators of</i><i> </i>Monkey Mind Pirates<i>.</i><br />
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Monkey Mind Pirates<i> is a puppetry, rock n' roll yoga adventure to help families reclaim calm -- beginning with a <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.camdenmusicschool.com/SummerCamps.htm">camp for kids ages 8-11</a> at the Camden Music School in North Minneapolis July 19-23 and culminating with <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.zpuppets.org/store/Monkey-Mind-Pirates-Premiere-Tickets">public performances</a> July 23-24.</i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-6075875268418755092010-06-24T10:39:00.000-07:002010-06-24T10:39:24.139-07:00Communicate with Your Children [Parent Educator Tips]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hlbpTKP5I/AAAAAAAAAHE/nYeFeTdeR-o/s1600/1-13-09-202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hlbpTKP5I/AAAAAAAAAHE/nYeFeTdeR-o/s200/1-13-09-202.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><i>"You never listen to me!" </i>Have you ever heard this complaint from one of your children? Good communication helps parents develop a good relationship with their children. Try these tips:<br />
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<ul><li>Teach children to listen... gently touch a child before you talk... say his or her name.</li>
<li>Speak in a quiet voice... whisper sometimes-so children have to listen carefully!</li>
<li>Bend or sit down so that you can look the child in the eyes and tell when she or he understands.</li>
<li>Respect children and use a courteous tone of voice. If we talk to our children as we would our friends, our children may be more likely to seek us out as confidants.</li>
<li>Use "door openers" that invite children to say more: "I see," "Oh," "Tell me more," "No kidding," "Really," "Mm hmmm."</li>
<li>Give your undivided attention when your children want to talk to you. Don't read, watch TV, fall asleep or make yourself busy with other tasks.</li>
<li>Praise and encouragement build a child's confidence and reinforce communication. Unkind words tear children down and teach them that they just aren't good enough.</li>
<li>Children are never too old to be told they are loved. Try writing it in a note that the child can keep as a reminder.</li>
</ul><i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-17203582340942848102010-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:002010-06-16T14:51:59.000-07:00Get Outside! [Parent Educator Tips]<b><i></i></b>Do you remember the time you spent outdoors when you were a child? Parents don’t let their children just “go out and play” like parents used to do. Yet outdoor unstructured play promotes imagination, cognitive learning and healthful activity. The lack of experience outdoors, along with a sedentary lifestyle encouraged by computers and technology, has serious implications for the long-term health and well-being of children. <br />
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What is keeping kids inside? Parents often mention safety. To counteract this, you can set clear limits and rules that reflect your children’s ages, your neighborhood and available supervisors. For instance, are the children allowed to play in the yard only, or can they explore a nearby park?<br />
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For safety – and companionship – ask other parents in the neighborhood if their children can play outside at the same time as your children. Enlist the help of other parents to watch out for the children, or join the children outside yourself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6UBIaiVWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/sXcXxc7uqFs/s1600/IMG_7032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6UBIaiVWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/sXcXxc7uqFs/s320/IMG_7032.jpg" /></a></div>What about the lure of indoor activities, especially those that involve technology, computers and television? Limit screen time to a couple hours a day. And make your outside area interesting with such activities as gardening, feeding birds or building a fort. (My husband once entertained half the neighborhood with an “archeological dig” in our back yard.)<br />
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The Twin Cities has many, many wonderful parks and playgrounds, rivers and lakes, nature centers and campgrounds. Make outdoor time family time. Children and parents alike will benefit from the physical activity and the calming effect of nature.<br />
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Please share your favorite outdoor places!<br />
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<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, </i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/"><i>Saint Paul ECFE</i></a>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-85907320185039054552010-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:002010-06-10T14:44:57.256-07:00Tales from the Floor: FunstigatorsI have yet to meet a four-year-old who enjoys standing in line. especially in the lobby of our Museum, where there are so many other things to entice them: a whole rack of brochures positioned right at their height, long rows of purple stairs and, of course, the toy store. <br />
<div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">A few years ago we were talking about family-friendly environments when we realized that our lobby was a problem. Adults were struggling to keep their children with them and stay in line at the same time. Even when there were no lines, adults have to check-in, get tickets, stickers, parking coupons, ask questions and find out where thy are going. All while trying to corral one or more children who have different agendas. Not a great way to start your day.</div><br />
<div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6QkPB_UAI/AAAAAAAAAIM/55rH4StgMtU/s1600/clip_image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6QkPB_UAI/AAAAAAAAAIM/55rH4StgMtU/s320/clip_image002.jpg" /></a>To address this challenge, we started a new volunteer position called <i><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Funstigators</span></i>. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Funstigators</span> work in the lobby of the Museum, and their job is to play with kids while adults do all the boring (but important!) work of getting tickets.They may b playing with puppets or tossing footballs or letting kids climb inside the giant <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Hoberman</span> sphere. Since we implemented this simple idea, the stress level in the lobby has greatly reduced. Adults can focus on their business, knowing that their child is within eyesight and having fun.</div>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-11912928933824524912010-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:16:43.830-07:00A Discipline Toolkit for Parents [Parent Educator Tips]When asked about their discipline methods, many parents will mention that they use consequences when their children misbehave. But discipline is so much more. The root meaning of discipline is “<i>to teach</i>.” To discipline – or to teach – effectively, parents need many, many tools, not just one (consequences). Here are some tools to put in your discipline toolkit. You may be surprised at some of the ideas listed; some may not seem much like discipline to you. But once parents begin to use a broad range of “tools,” they usually find that their efforts to teach their children to behave become more effective.<br />
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<div></div>I’ll start with <i><b>prevention tools</b></i>. Preventing misbehavior <i>before</i> it happens is more effective (and less stressful) than anything else. Here are strategies parents can use when children are <i>not</i> misbehaving that will help keep problems from occurring.<br />
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<div></div><i>Teach values and behavior:</i><br />
<ul><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6cEmJksaI/AAAAAAAAAI8/YKVr7lrhSAE/s1600/DSC_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S_6cEmJksaI/AAAAAAAAAI8/YKVr7lrhSAE/s320/DSC_6168.JPG" /></a>
<li>Demonstrate the desirable behavior yourself</li>
<li>Tell stories to make a point</li>
<li>Make your expectation clear before an event or activity</li>
<li>Give specific (and brief!) instructions</li>
<li>Prepare your child for something that might be difficult for him</li>
<li>Catch your child being good!</li>
</ul><i>Change the situation:</i><br />
<ul><li>Change the surroundings</li>
<li>Change the activity</li>
<li>Physically redirect the child</li>
</ul><i>Increase your child’s feelings of security:</i><br />
<ul><li>Move physically closer to your child</li>
<li>Provide reassuring routines</li>
<li>Provide ways to ease transitions</li>
</ul><i>Strengthen your child’s self-esteem:</i><br />
<ul><li>Show interest in what our child does</li>
<li>Provide real affection</li>
<li>Enjoy each other’s company</li>
</ul>Try some of these prevention tools this week and see if they improve your relationship with your child. Next week, I’ll go over some <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://minnesotachildrensmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/07/discipline-toolkit-for-parents-part-2.html">more tools</a> to help you manage conflict and teach your children responsibility.<br />
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<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-37620289947330952992010-05-19T08:29:00.000-07:002010-05-19T08:29:21.125-07:00Spring Provides Inspiration and Opportunities to Set New Family GoalsSpringtime -- when the world wakes up from her winter slumber and becomes fresh and new again! Spring is also a great time to set new family goals. You might want to focus on:<br />
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<b>Healthy Food</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GaCE1m_XI/AAAAAAAAAHk/IsdHMVKW4vY/s1600/1-13-09-139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GaCE1m_XI/AAAAAAAAAHk/IsdHMVKW4vY/s320/1-13-09-139.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><ul><li style="border: medium none;">Eat your homegrown veggies this summer! <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Now's</span> the time to plant vegetables -- depending on the weather, either seeds in small containers in the house, or small plants outside in containers or in the yard. It's a fun learning adventure to nurture seeds and watch them grow! </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">Cook up a storm! Plan the menu, shop for the ingredients (or pick them from your garden), cook the meal and eat together as a family. Children often eat better when they help create the meal and then share it with their family. </li>
</ul><b>Outdoor Exercise</b><br />
<ul><li style="border: medium none;">Go for frequent family walks. Count the number of flowers poking their heads out of the dirt. How many different colors do you see? </li>
<li>Turn off the TV, go outside, and kick around a soccer ball. Studies show that obesity in children increases the more hours they watch TV (<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Crespo</span>, 2001). </li>
<li style="border: medium none;">Spring winds help warm the Earth and make great kite-flying adventures. Pack a picnic lunch, grab your kite and head to the park for an afternoon of family fun!</li>
</ul><div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GZegzuvQI/AAAAAAAAAHc/8DMHAEAONCk/s1600/1-13-09-210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GZegzuvQI/AAAAAAAAAHc/8DMHAEAONCk/s320/1-13-09-210.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a><b>Bedtime/Story Time</b></div><ul><li style="border: medium none;">The best way to wind down after a fun day (or even a not-so-fun day) is to climb into bed and read books before falling asleep. This routine calms everyone down and creates a positive, loving way to end each day.</li>
</ul><ul><ul><li><b>Recommended Books</b></li>
<ul><li><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Sprung-Bear-Blue-House/dp/0689830645"><i>Spring Has Sprung -- Bear in the Big Blue House</i></a> by <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Kiki</span> Thorpe</li>
<li><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Puddle-Trouble-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0689810032"><i>Henry and <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Mudge</span> in Puddle Trouble</i></a> by Cynthia <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Rylant</span></li>
<li><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-HarperClassics-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett/dp/006440188X"><i>The Secret Garden </i></a>by Frances <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Hodgson</span> Burnett</li>
</ul></ul></ul>What kinds of things are you working on in your family this spring? Do you have more great spring reads to suggest?<br />
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<i>Judy Schumacher</i><br />
<i>Director of Education, Minnesota Children's Museum </i><br />
<ul><ul><ul></ul></ul></ul>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-10435525265405356902010-05-11T07:02:00.000-07:002010-05-11T08:50:57.939-07:00Milestones in Communication - Age 2 1/2 to 5 [Parent Educator Tips]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Last week, we detailed some of the milestones you may be noticing as your child grows. This is a continuation through age five, but keep in mind: the ages and stages described below are <u><b>general</b></u><b> </b>developmental stages that a majority of children reach at the stated ages. It is very important to understand that every child is different! Please don't panic if every milestone is not reached right on time for your child. Some children meet the milestones ahead of time. Some children just take longer -- for lots of reasons -- and not all developmentally-related.<br />
</div><div>Some toddlers don't talk by a certain age because they have an older sibling who does all the talking for them! Some little ones would rather go straight to walking from sitting and skip crawling altogether--walking leads to running and they're just in a hurry! Saying a child "should" be able to do something by a certain age can cause great worry for parents if their child has not achieved that particular milestone at that particular age. Yes, it's extremely important to catch physical, cognitive or social/emotional developmental delays and get the child help as early as possible, but it's also important to remember that each child will develop at his or her own pace. If you are worried about your child's developmental progress, please consult your pediatrician.<br />
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</div><div><i>Judy Schumacher,</i><br />
<i>Director of Education and Community Partnerships, Minnesota Children's Museum</i></div><br />
<b>At 2 1/2 years</b><br />
<i>Does your child know a few rhymes or songs? Does he or she enjoy hearing them?</i><br />
Many children can say short rhymes or sing songs, and enjoy listening to records or to singing.<br />
<div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><i>What does your child do when the doorbell rings, or when a car door or house door closes at a time when someone in the family usually comes home?</i><br />
If a child has good hearing and these are events that bring pleasure, the child usually reacts to the sound by running to look or telling someone what she or he hears.<br />
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<b>At 3 years</b><br />
<div style="border: medium none;"><i>Can your child show that she or he understands the meaning of some words besides the name of things? (Examples: "Put the block on the table." or "Give me your doll.")</i></div>Your child understands and uses some simple verbs, pronouns, prepositions, and adjectives, such as go, me, in, and small.<br />
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<i>Can your child find you when you call from another room?</i><br />
<div style="border: medium none;">Your child should be able to locate the source of a sound.</div><br />
<b>At 4 years</b><br />
<i>Can your child tell about events that have happened recently?</i><br />
Your child gives a connected account of some recent experiences.<br />
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<div style="border: medium none;"><i>Can your child carry out two directions, one after the other, when given simultaneously (such as, "Find the library book and put it on the table by the door")?</i></div>Your child carries out a sequence of two simple directions.<br />
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<b>At 5 years</b><br />
<i>Do people outside your family understand most of what your child says?</i><br />
<div style="border: medium none;">Your child's speech is intelligible, although some sounds may still be mispronounced.</div><i>Can your child carry a conversation with other children or familiar adults?</i><br />
Most children this age can carry on a conversation if the vocabulary is within their experience.<br />
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<div style="border: medium none;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GcwqNPaRI/AAAAAAAAAH0/qkd9pjG8U3g/s1600/1-13-09-327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S-GcwqNPaRI/AAAAAAAAAH0/qkd9pjG8U3g/s320/1-13-09-327.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a><i>Does your child begin a sentence with "I" instead of "Me," "He" or "She" instead of "Him" or "Her?"</i></div><div style="border: medium none;">A child uses some pronouns correctly at this age.</div><br />
<i>Is your child's grammar almost as good as your own?</i><br />
Most of the time, a child's spoken language will match the patterns of grammar used by the adults of his or her family/neighborhood.<br />
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<br />
<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, </i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/"><i>Saint Paul ECFE</i></a>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-84029463989307229192010-04-29T08:36:00.000-07:002010-05-05T14:19:31.488-07:00Communication Milestones - Birth to 2 [Parent Educator Tips]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hnN7_bCBI/AAAAAAAAAHI/McFGstnKa5U/s1600/1-13-09-337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S9hnN7_bCBI/AAAAAAAAAHI/McFGstnKa5U/s320/1-13-09-337.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div>Do you sometimes wonder whether your child is "on track" in his or her ability to understand and use language? Here are some questions you might want to consider about your child's behavior, followed by a description of what the behavior might look like.<br />
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<b>At 3-6 months</b><br />
<i>What does your child do when you talk to him or her?</i><br />
Your child awakens or quiets to the sound of their mother's voice.<br />
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<i>Does your child react to your voice even when he or she cannot see you?</i><br />
Your child turns their eyes and head in the direction of the source of the sound.<br />
<br />
<b>At 7-10 months</b><br />
<i>Your child can't see what is making a sound, what does she or he do?</i><br />
Your child turns their head and shoulders toward the familiar sounds, even when they cannot see what is happening. The sounds do not have to be loud to cause the child to respond to the dog barking, the ringing of the telephone, footsteps, or someone's voice.<br />
<br />
<b>At 11-15 months</b><br />
<i>Can your child point to or find familiar objects or people as requested?</i><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Your child shows understanding of some words by appropriate behavior such as pointing or looking at familiar objects or people on request.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i>Does you child respond differently to different sounds?</i><br />
You child jabbers in response to a human voice, is apt to cry when there is a loud noise such as thunder, or may frown when scolded.<br />
<br />
<i>Does you child enjoy listening to sounds and imitating them?</i><br />
Imitation indicates that your child can hear the sounds and match them with his or her own sounds production. <br />
<br />
<b>At 18 months</b><br />
<i>Can your child point to parts of his or her body when asked?</i><br />
Some children begin to identify parts of their own bodies. Your child should be able to show his or her nose or eyes.<br />
<br />
<i>How many understandable words does your child use - words that you are sure really mean something?</i><br />
Your child should be using a few single words. They are not complete or pronounced perfectly, but are clearly meaningful.<br />
<br />
<b>At 2 years</b><br />
<i>Can your child follow simple verbal commands when you are careful not to provide and help (such as looking at the object or pointing in the right direction)?</i><br />
Your child should be able to follow a few simple commands without visual cues.<br />
<br />
<i>Does your child enjoy being read to? Doe she or he point out pictures of familiar objects?</i><br />
Most two-year-olds enjoy being read to and shown simple pictures in a book or magazine. They are usually able to point out pictures when you ask them to.<br />
<br />
<i>Is your child putting a few words together to make "sentences" as in "Milk all gone," or "Go bye-bye car?"</i><br />
These "sentences" are not usually complete or grammatical but carry the message.<br />
<br />
<i>Esther Schak,</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i><br />
<br />
<div>NOTE: The ages and stages described above are <u><b>general</b></u><b> </b>developmental stages that a majority of children reach at the stated ages. However, it is very important to understand that every child is different! Please don't panic if every milestone is not reached right on time for your child. Some children meet the milestones ahead of time. Some children just take longer -- for lots of reasons -- and not all developmentally-related.<br />
</div><div></div><div>Some toddlers don't talk by a certain age because they have an older sibling who does all the talking for them! Some little ones would rather go straight to walking from sitting and skip crawling altogether--walking leads to running and they're just in a hurry! Saying a child "should" be able to do something by a certain age can cause great worry for parents if their child has not achieved that particular milestone at that particular age. Yes, it's extremely important to catch physical, cognitive or social/emotional developmental delays and get the child help as early as possible, but it's also important to remember that each child will develop at his or her own pace. If you are worried about your child's developmental progress, please consult your pediatrician.<br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div><i>Judy Schumacher,</i><br />
<i>Director of Education and Community Partnerships, Minnesota Children's Museum</i></div>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-66815801261567481072010-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:002010-04-26T10:52:52.680-07:00Families Eating Together [Parent Educator Tips]More and more research shows that family meals have numerous benefits. According to the <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.casacolumbia.org/templates/Home.aspx?articleid=287&zoneid=32">National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse</a> at Columbia University, children and teens whose families have frequent family dinners are:<br />
<ul><li>At lower risk for substance abuse</li>
<li>Less likely to try cigarettes</li>
<li>Less likely to try marijuana</li>
<li>Less likely to try alcohol or get drunk monthly</li>
<li>Likely to get better grades in school</li>
</ul><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.sph.umn.edu/epi/research/eat/index.asp">Project EAT (Eating Among Teens)</a> at the University of Minnesota found that family meals were associated with better intakes of fruits, vegetables, grains, calcium-rich foods and many other nutrients. They found that family meals were also associated with a lower intake of soft drinks and snack foods, and that girls who ate more frequent family meals exhibited less disordered eating such as extreme dieting behaviors and binge eating.<br />
<br />
Start your family tradition of eating together when your children are young. Most families come together over a meal at dinnertime, but some find that breakfast works better for them. Turn off the television and other distractions (no cell phone conversations!) and focus on talking with each other. Children will learn a larger vocabulary, learn how to take turns, and hone other social skills. They will also learn about how the world works and how their parents feel about various issues.<br />
<br />
You'll want to serve a variety of good foods, but there's no need to make the meal too elaborate. Involve your children in the meal preparation -- they may be more willing to eat something new when they help. Develop your own rituals and routines -- maybe pizza every Sunday evening, or a "breakfast" menu (such as pancakes fruit and sausage) served as dinner once a month. Kids will look forward to these special events (and remind you if you forget!).<br />
<br />
<i>Esther Schak,</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-64738829973891460402010-04-20T07:10:00.000-07:002010-04-20T07:11:18.651-07:00Kitchen Volcano Explosion [Play at Home]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S821Ncs1HPI/AAAAAAAAAG8/v_8_FgnSS9g/s1600/Adult-child-dino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S821Ncs1HPI/AAAAAAAAAG8/v_8_FgnSS9g/s320/Adult-child-dino.jpg" /></a></div><i>Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice</i> is entering its last month here at Minnesota Children's Museum. It's been such a popular exhibit, we wanted to share some ways to bring the experience into your home. Try creating your own volcano at home! <br />
<br />
<i><b>Supplies needed:</b></i><br />
1/2 tbsp dish soap<br />
1/4 cup white vinegar<br />
1/2 cup baking soda<br />
Red liquid watercolor or food coloring<br />
Tray or cookie sheet<br />
Cylinder shape container for the "volcano" (i.e., toilet paper tube, plastic soda bottle with the top cut off, or a can<br />
<br />
<i><b>Process:</b></i><br />
In a measuring bowl, mix the vinegar, dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring together.<br />
Place the cylinder on a tray or cookie sheet and place the baking soda at the bottom of the cynider container.<br />
When ready, begin pouring the vinegar mixture on top of the baking soda. Stand back and see what happens.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Suggested adult interactions:</b></i><br />
Encourage children to try experimenting with the recipe -- what happens if you add more or less of an ingredient, or compare recipes without soap and with soap. Make predictions as to what will happen.<br />
Try batches with different food coloring and see what color they make when they mix.<br />
Discuss what the children think is happening when the baking soda and vinegar mix.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Skills developed:</b></i><br />
Early science of cause and effect, predictions, and experimentation<br />
<br />
<i><b>Reading books:</b></i><br />
<i>National Geographic Readers: Volcanoes!</i> by Anne Schreiber<br />
<i>Voyage to the Volcano</i> by Judith Stamper and John Speirs<br />
<br />
<i><b>Adult references:</b></i><br />
<i>More Than Magnets</i> by Sally Moomaw and Brenda Hieronymus<br />
<i>202 Oozing, Bubbling, Dripping and Bouncing Experiments</i> by Janice VanCleave<br />
<br />
<i><b>Next time you visit the Museum:</b></i><br />
Check out <i>Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice</i> for your last chance to travel back in time to explore the late Cretaceous Period (when the last dinosaurs lived). Closes May 31!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Have you made a volcano at home before?</b></i><br />
What are some of the best variations you've tried?Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-77083871893202075532010-04-16T09:17:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:17:49.374-07:00Bringing Generations Together [Parent Educator Tips]So many of our most cherished memories involve grandparents or other relatives. Bring generations together in your family with some of these ideas.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Plan a family celebration that brings everyone into the family picture.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S8iNIU05xfI/AAAAAAAAAG0/445rjhtf2mI/s1600/GPD-cross-generations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S8iNIU05xfI/AAAAAAAAAG0/445rjhtf2mI/s320/GPD-cross-generations.jpg" /></a></div><ul><li>When there's a religious life-cycle event (such as a baptism or Bar Mitzvah), add to the service by addressing the child's grandparents with words like these: "We recognize that you will always be an important part of this child's life..."</li>
<li>At a milestone birthday or anniversary, ask members of each generation to make a contribution. For instance, if it's a 13th birthday, ask grandparents to describe <i>their</i> 13th birthday or their teen years.</li>
<li>When a child enters school, ask grandparents to reminisce about their school days -- particular teachers they remember, exciting or embarrassing experiences, etc. </li>
</ul><b>2. Collect memories.</b><br />
<ul><li>Set aside New Year's Day as "create a scrapbook day." Bring out a year's worth of mementos -- programs, school papers, balloons, photos, clippings, etc. Assemble a scrapbook depicting your year.</li>
<li>As part of a family gathering, ask each family member to bring something from a day he/she will long remember and talk about the object -- maybe a lock of hair, a newspaper clipping, a phone message, etc.</li>
<li>Involve children in a project to interview and record the life stories of the older generation -- much like the ongoing <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://storycorps.org/">StoryCorps project.</a></li>
</ul><b>3. Divide your extended family into groups along new lines. For example: by seasons in which birthdays occur, by favorite color, by favorite season. These groups might: </b><br />
<ul><li>Exchange gifts among one another by drawing each others' names.</li>
<li>Create a banner or poster for a family celebration.</li>
<li>Plan an outing together -- a football game, a play, a school band concert.</li>
</ul>These are some ideas to help get the ball rolling. What are some of the ways your family interacts across generations? Share an extended family photo from your most recent (or not-so-recent) get-together!<br />
<br />
<i>Esther Schak,</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-46722362314341719242010-04-08T13:55:00.000-07:002010-04-08T13:55:47.730-07:00On the Road with Children [Parent Educator Tips]With the weather improving, you might be thinking about a road trip with your family. Here are some great ideas from ECFE parents that will help smooth the way.<br />
<br />
Traveling with children probably means that you'll need to take a lot of things that you wouldn't need if you were traveling alone. Your list might include:<br />
<ul><li>Snacks and drinks -- choose items that take a LONG time to eat!</li>
<li>Wet wipes</li>
<li>Garbage bags</li>
<li>A clipboard for coloring or other art activities</li>
<li>A pan with a sliding top to use as a lap desk (with built-in storage!)</li>
<li>Pillows and blankets</li>
<li>Extra clothes</li>
<li>A night light</li>
<li>Special blankets, stuffed animals, pillows or pacifiers that your child WON'T sleep without!</li>
</ul><br />
You'll want to plan many stops along the way -- playgrounds, rest stops, town squares, college campuses, all make great places to run off some energy. Take some balls or Frisbees along to throw around when you're at a rest stop.<br />
<br />
In the car, you'll need a lot of amusements:<br />
<ul><li>Colorforms stick on car windows</li>
<li>Etch-a-Sketch or Magna Doodle games</li>
<li>Sticker books (or even Post-It Notes!)</li>
<li>Coloring books or a plain pad of paper</li>
<li>Pipecleaners (fun, quiet, and not messy)</li>
<li>Finger puppets</li>
<li>A ViewMaster with new slides for each trips</li>
<li>Books, comic, activity books</li>
<li>A small flashlight</li>
<li>Listen to music, or have a sing-a-long</li>
</ul><br />
Try wrapping a few small toys and give them out one at a time over the course of the trip. Don't forget to save a few for the trip home.<br />
<br />
Happy traveling, and please share more of your family's "must-packs"!<br />
<br />
<i>Esther Schak,</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://ecfe.spps.org/">Saint Paul ECFE</a></i>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-16588085160346768132010-04-06T10:19:00.000-07:002010-04-06T10:19:54.904-07:00Play at Home Ideas: Paper Mache Dinosaur Eggs<i>This activity is best for children four-years-old and older.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Supplies needed:</b><br />
balloon<br />
a cup or bowl to balance the balloon<br />
newspaper torn roughly into 1/2" strips (do not use any paper that has a glossy coating)<br />
<br />
<i>Paper mache paste mixture</i><br />
2 cups of water<br />
1 cup of flour<br />
blender<br />
mixing bowl<br />
<br />
<b>Process: </b><br />
Adults assist children in pouring flour and water in blender and process until a smooth paste is formed. Pour mixed paste into a bowl.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Take a stripe of newspaper and dip it into the paper mache mixture. Place the paper between your fingers and pull the paper through like a squeegee. Smooth the wet newspaper over the balloon. Continue dipping and smoothing till the balloon is entirely covered. Allow the paper mache to dry overnight. Any leftover paper mache mixture can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator to be used the next day.<br />
<br />
The next day, repeat the above process for a second layer of paper. If desired, wait one more day and add a third layer for a stronger finished creation.<br />
<br />
Once the paper mache is completely dry, the egg can be decorated. Tempera, acrylic, and poster paint can all be used to paint the egg. The egg can also be decorated with collage materials -- items such as feathers, paper scraps, tissue paper, foil, or other recyclable material can all be adhered with glue to the egg.<br />
<br />
Eggs can also be cut in half and a small stuffed dinosaur can be placed inside.<br />
<br />
<b>Suggested adult interactions:</b><br />
Challenge the children to think what else final paper mache creation can be.<br />
Discuss with children how dinosaur mothers and fathers took of their children. Check out the Adult Resources for books about that subject.<br />
<br />
<b>Skills developed:</b><br />
Mathematics skills through measuring<b> </b><br />
Small motor skills through manipulation of materials<br />
Creative thinking skills through decorating of paper mache<br />
<br />
<b>Literacy connection:</b><br />
Encourage children to write and illustrate a story to go along with the dinosaur egg.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Reading books:</b><br />
<i>Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs</i> (board book) by Sandra Boynton<br />
<i>Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp </i>by Carol Diggory Shields<br />
<i>Dinosaur Bones</i> by Bob Barner<br />
<br />
<b>Adult references:</b><br />
<i>Baby Dinosaurs</i> by Don Lessem<br />
<i>The Art and Craft of Papier Mache </i>by Juliet Bawden<br />
<br />
<b>Next time you are here:</b><br />
Check out <i>Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice</i> to travel back in time to explore the late Cretaceous Period (when the last dinosaurs lived).<b> </b>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-73765881689494420012010-03-31T13:19:00.000-07:002010-03-31T13:19:20.205-07:00Baby's First BookCreate your baby’s first book using photographs of recognizable people and objects in your baby’s life. Photos could include siblings, caregivers, a favorite stuffed toy, etc.<br />
<ol><li>Place photographs between sheets of clear contact paper.</li>
<li>Round the corners to make them smooth and safe.</li>
<li>Punch a hole in the corner and bind pages together with yarn.</li>
</ol>This simple book is not only drool-proof, it also invites talk surrounding the pictures and familiarizes your baby with the joys and comforts of sharing books.Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-14469923084504970102010-03-25T14:04:00.000-07:002010-03-25T14:05:55.577-07:00Catch Your Child Being Good [Parent Educator Tips]Did you ever stop to think about how much time you spend telling your child what NOT to do?<br />
<br />
It's easy to get caught up in all the things your children are doing <i>wrong</i> and forget about what they are doing <i>right</i>. Giving specific, positive attention to the behavior you want to see will teach your children what you <i>do</i> want them to do and will increase the likelihood of children repeating a positive behavior.<br />
<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S6vPtqJeryI/AAAAAAAAAGs/1zGDvKpij-A/s1600/Child-Being-Good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S6vPtqJeryI/AAAAAAAAAGs/1zGDvKpij-A/s320/Child-Being-Good.jpg" /></a>Here's how "catching your child being good" works:<br />
<br />
<i>You are enjoying an unusually calm shopping expedition with your child. Before your four-year-old has a chance to start climbing out of the cart or demanding a candy bar, you look at him and say, "Wow, Joey! It makes me so happy when you help me get the shopping done so quickly."</i><br />
<br />
When dealing with challenging behavior, you may feel that your relationship with your children is strained. But taking the time to increase positive interactions with children can actually <i>decrease</i> those challenging behaviors.<br />
<br />
Here are just a few ways to build positive relationships with your child:<br />
<ul><li>When playing, follow your child's lead.</li>
<li><i>Really</i> listen to your child when he or she is talking.</li>
<li>Don't be afraid to be silly or get dirty.</li>
<li>Have fun!<i> </i> </li>
</ul><br />
<i>Esther Schak</i><br />
<i>Parent Educator, Saint Paul ECFE</i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><i><br />
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i> </span></span>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-41928965935006328162010-03-18T14:28:00.001-07:002010-03-18T14:30:06.070-07:00How do I help my child become a good reader? [Parent Educator Tips]<div class="MsoNormal"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S6KaO5psqDI/AAAAAAAAAGk/nKGYFaLmliY/s1600-h/Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S6KaO5psqDI/AAAAAAAAAGk/nKGYFaLmliY/s320/Reading.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Not surprisingly, the number one thing that parents can do to help their children become good readers is reading to them!<b> </b>Here are some other ways you can help your child acquire reading skills.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Take time to listen to your child and answer his/her questions.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Sing and recite nursery songs and rhymes together.<o:p></o:p> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Read something to yourself every day, showing your child that reading is important.<o:p></o:p> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Get library cards for you <i>and</i> your child. Take your child to the library regularly and pick out books for both of you.<o:p></o:p> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Look at books and magazines together, talking about what you see and read.<o:p></o:p> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Ask your child to tell you a story or to describe something he/she has done or seen.<o:p></o:p> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Write down what your child tells you and read back the “story” exactly as it was dictated.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Give your child his/her own bookshelf (or a box or a drawer) to hold books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">Carefully select the TV programs your child watches, and limit TV viewing so that there is at least equal time for reading.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li> <span style="font-size: small;">Praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments so that he or she will have self-confidence and zest for new learning experiences. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Esther Schak</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Parent Educator, Saint Paul ECFE </i> </span></div></li>
</ul>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799974068362152144.post-22161228088939683162010-03-15T11:43:00.000-07:002010-03-15T11:43:12.972-07:00Creative (and Relaxing!) Spring Break Activities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S55_rcYKfXI/AAAAAAAAAGc/0LsxB-gtdkA/s1600-h/spring+break+recycling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R0xtWWiIl7Y/S55_rcYKfXI/AAAAAAAAAGc/0LsxB-gtdkA/s320/spring+break+recycling.JPG" /></a></div>Spring break is a great opportunity to focus on family time and take a real "break" from the normal busy schedule. Some families are able to travel, which is ideal for special activities. In our present economy, however, fewer people are traveling away from home. This is when fun, creative ideas for activities at home come in handy!<br />
<br />
Depending on the weather, outdoor activities are fun -- and family exercise is good for everyone!<br />
<ul><li>Walk to the park and scavenger hunt for winter nature items; look for animal tracks in the snow.</li>
<li>Take water bottles with a squirt top, add water and some food coloring, and head outside for some artwork in the snow!</li>
<li>Build a snow castle or snow turle -- a mound of snow with legs, head and shell pattern -- and then go inside and have some hot chocolate while you read books.</li>
</ul>Bad weather can present indoor opportunities to play board games together or to create simple, inexpensive artwork.<br />
<ul><li>Use recyclables to create a mobile and hang it in your child's room. Talk about the importance of recycling.</li>
<li>Curl up and read a chapter book gradually over several days.</li>
<li>Make homemade play dough and create exciting pieces of art; display them in your home. </li>
</ul>Minnesota Children's Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629423905102064343noreply@blogger.com0